A/N: I'm hoping by submitting this chapter I'll be forgiven for taking so long on my last one. Everyone has been great hanging in there with me. Thank you, all of you who have taken the time to tell me what you think of each chapter. The Guest Reviewer back in December, who wanted a Sequel to The Cave, expressed some ideas they would like to see in the story. If you are out there, the one who called Rouvelier "The Hitler Wannabe" I'd love to hear from you again. Please enjoy reading and please review.
THE CAVE: CONTINUUM
Part Eight
The sun's ray's skim across the water, glittering like diamonds in between swells of waves as the dark, blue water creates foamy caps at their peaks just before they break. The wonder and beauty of the ocean's rolling movement is mesmerizing.
Up above, in the crow's nest, a sailor shouts down that land lies ahead. At the order of the Captain, the helmsman slowly steers the ship into the direction of what appears to be no more than fuzzy gray images off in the distant.
Hearing the cry from the crow's nest, Kanda and Allen stop for a moment to look out over the ocean to where land is suppose to appear. Not seeing anything, they turn away, wrapping arms around each other's waist as they walk along in silence towards the infirmary.
Kanda has to make sure Allen's all right before they start their long trek to Komui's home once they land. Let's face it, Allen stitches need to be removed, and Kanda is dreading the fact he has to face the sumptuous doctor after last night's festive occasion.
They have finished packing and are ready to go when the ship docks in port. All that is left to do is to have Allen examined by the good doctor before they disembark. During their packing, this morning, nothing had been spoken between the young married couple. They would look at one another, share kisses and hug each other with strong arms – their way of expressing their feelings without words - how safe will they be once on land.
On top of Allen's head, Timcanpy makes himself at home looking deflated. His behavior suggests that leaving his drunken sailor friends behind has saddened him. All the same, he has had one hell of a great trip without the supervision of Allen and Kanda. Yet, Tim has been in hiding since their battle with the Kraken. It took Kanda and Allen quite some time to sweet-talk Tim into showing himself once again.
Entering the infirmary, Doc is cleaning his instruments. Upon hearing them he turns around with greetings, "I'm happy to see you both came. Allen, why don't you sit up on the examination table and take your shirt off." The doctor smiles, looking over at the two – Kanda aims his piercing glare at the doctor.
"Certainly Doc," Allen replies, taking Kanda's hand and walks over to the table. Kanda didn't resist, and once Allen is seated he turns around and leans against the table staying close to Allen as he removes his shirt. Timcanpy flies down to settle behind Kanda.
"This must be the famous Timcanpy I've heard so much about. Nice to meet you, Timcanpy," the doctor says, nodding to him with his charismatic smile. Tim gives the doctor a big grin and rolls over, upside down, as if he wants the doctor to pat his stomach
"Stupid golem," Kanda mutters under his breath.
"Allen, how has your side been feeling, any pain?" asks the doctor.
"It's been fine, a little pain, but nothing that overwhelms me," Allen says, slipping his hand into Kanda's again. Allen is doing all he can to make Kanda feel comfortable through this last exam, but isn't sure if it's working.
"And Kanda, how are you fairing today? You look rested for the next leg of your journey. I imagine you are ready to leave this ship," Doc says, laying his instruments on the small moveable stand next to the examination table.
"I'm fine," Kanda says curtly, not looking at the doctor.
"Lie down Allen, let me look at the stitches then I'll remove them, all right?" The doctor smiles warmly at Allen. Kanda squeezes Allen's hand tighter to prevent his anger from rising and Tim moves to rest near Allen's head sensing tension from Kanda.
"I should warn the two of you. When you are back on land you may experience the feeling of still being on the ship. Your body may feel like it's moving, even dizzy. Just rest for awhile and you should be fine until your bodies acclimate to being back on land," The doctor says, giving them a tip as he snips the threads of the stitches.
"Now Allen, when I press here, or down there, does it hurt?" The doctor asks, as he presses on Allen's side then moves down a little farther. Doc glances up at Kanda and gives him an amusing smile.
Kanda grimaces more than smiles back. "Just don't go down any further, Doc," Kanda's low growl threatens.
"Don't worry Kanda I won't need to he's doing excellent. I would recommend you find time to allow him to rest along the way. His body is still weakened from a wound that has been opened twice. He will fatigue quickly because his body still continues the healing process," the doctor says seriously, looking directly at Kanda.
Putting more ointment over the wound the doctor bandages it and then wraps Allen's torso. "This should help hold it secure," the doctor says.
"Allen, you can put your shirt back on," Doc says, as he walks over to his office and picks up two cloth bags.
"I have two canvases knap sacks. One has medical supplies for both of you and the other one you can use for food as you travel. Call it a wedding gift from me," Doc says, with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Thank you Doc, right Kanda?" Allen looks at Kanda nodding his head in the direction of the doctor.
"Uh, yeah, thanks," Kanda says, putting a little effort into sounding sincere and ignores the doctors eyes.
"You're welcome. By the way, John … I mean the Captain would like you both to stay on board after docking, preferable in your cabin, until he comes to see you. Once we land, he will send out a sailor to scout the area to make sure things look safe. He will also have some clothes sent to your quarters to help blend in with the crowd. Is that a request you could honor?" the doctor asks the both of them.
"Yes sir, we'll wait in our cabin," Allen says, looking Kanda in the eyes to makes sure he's okay with this.
"Good, then it's been a pleasure meeting the both of you, and of course, you too Timcanpy. I wish a safe journey ahead for all of you," the doctor says, flashing his warm charming smile.
"The same for us, a pleasure … right Kanda?" Allen lightly jabs Kanda in the side as he shakes the doctor's hand.
"Yes, it has been a memorable meeting," Kanda says flatly, refusing to shake the doctor's hand.
When Allen finishes putting his shirt on and is standing, Kanda grabs his hand and they quickly exit the infirmary heading back to their quarters, Timcanpy flying behind them.
Once back in their quarters, Kanda throws the knap sacks in a chair and crawls to his side of the bed. Leaning his back against the wall, he closes his eyes taking deep breaths to calm himself. Allen kneels on the bed, slowly creeping over to Kanda leaning in and kisses him on the lips.
Allen's kiss drains whatever anger Kanda has left from the doctor's visit. He opens his eyes looking lovingly into Allen's large, silver-gray eyes and releases a long sigh.
He spreads his legs and prompts Allen to turn around to sit between them. Sliding his arms around Allen's waist, he gently pulls him back to lie against his chest, both comfortable and content. Timcanpy rests at the bottom of the bed and looks up at them, now okay since things have settled down, and then closes his eyes to rest also.
The ship is pulling into the dock. They hear the scraping sound of the ship as it hugs the pier. Sailors holler their orders as they work together securing the ship to the tall posts attached to the pier. Timcanpy perks up at the startling sounds. He looks up at his master and sees neither getting up, so he settles back down to rests again.
"Is that noise the ship beginning to dock?" Allen asks quietly.
"Yes it is, and we'll be leaving the ship by evening. I thought we could scout out the town to find the place where we'll be staying tonight, get some dinner, and retire as early as possible. I'd like us to start out at dawn to see how far we can get. It looks like two, maybe three days travel, but we have to take into account resting points for you," Kanda says, nuzzling and kissing Allen's neck.
"I'll feel better once we get to Komui's home and I don't have to worry so much about your safety," Kanda whispers to Allen, nibbling and licking his ear. "I love you Allen."
"You certainly know where to push my passion buttons," Allen purrs, pulling Kanda's arms tighter around him.
"Damn you smell good," Kanda says in a low, husky voice, changing the subject.
"That smell may be my raging hormones, what do you think?" Allen asks, breathless from Kanda continuing to kiss and lick his neck.
"Well, I think right now we should get some rest before we have the Captain knocking on our door," Kanda whispers, his hot breathe moistens Allen's neck sending a chill of excitement through him. Kanda's hand slides down to the front of Allen's pants eliciting a soft murmuring purr.
There are sounds of belt buckles tinkling, a snap, zippers being unzipped and clothing rustling. These sounds would lead one to believe something exciting is about to take place.
But it is more the sounds of aggressive kissing, moaning, and ahs filling the air, along with the rolling and thrashing on the bed, and then a … thud … as they both fall to the floor that lets you know the fun has begun.
"Oh, my ..." Allen's laughter fills the room … "We'll finish this right here on the floor, Bean Sprout." "You'll get no complaints from me, so let's …," Kanda's tongue in Allen's mouth prevents anymore talking as the two continue romping on the floor.
There is a knock on the door and then it opens without waiting for a reply, so unlike the Captain. "Kanda, Allen?" He asks, sure he had just heard them in the room.
Then a voice from the other side of the bed informs the Captain of their location, "Do you think you could have fucking knocked before coming into our quarters?" Kanda snarls aggravated by the intrusion; he rises to his knees turning to look over at the Captain with a frown.
"Oh, yes, sorry, I should have waited, but I need to speak with the both of you," the Captain says, embarrassed he forgot his manners as he realizes Kanda is naked and a good chance Allen is too
"Well, would you mind stepping out so my partner and I could put something on before talking to you?" Kanda sarcastically asks. Kanda suddenly feels Allen playing around with him. He slaps Allen's hand, "Stop that Bean Sprout!" He grins down at his partner.
"Certainly, just yell when it's safe to come back in. I'll wait outside," the Captain says, grinning as he exits the quarters closing the door.
"We're not finish with this Bean Sprout," Kanda sneers, with a devilish look in his eyes.
"Is that a threat Kanda?" "No, it's a promise. Now get dressed so we can talk to the Captain," Kanda says, dropping Allen's pants on top of him.
Quickly, they pull their pants on and Kanda opens the door to allow the Captain to come back into their quarters. He pulls up a chair while Kanda sits down on the bed next to Allen.
"What's so important you need to talk to us now? I thought you were sending a scout ahead to check things out," Kanda says, narrowing his eyes on the Captain.
"I did Kanda. I am picking up one of my crew members on this trip who needed to be left behind due to an illness. His job, once he had healed, was to keep an eye out for anything unusual happening in the village," the Captain calmly explains.
"And, has there been, unusual happenings?" Kanda asks pointedly.
"Yes, there has been." He looks at both of them. Nervously, Allen slides his arm through Kanda's and takes his hand waiting for the bad news he feels will come.
"Malcolm Rouvelier, head of Central Agency, showed up in the village a couple days ago asking about the two of you. From what my informant found out the Vatican had asked him to return to Rome just recently. He has not heard anything else why Rouvelier was asked to return. Also, he heard there had been sightings of a few strange looking Exorcists …"
"The Third Exorcists," Kanda says, more to himself than anyone else. He slides his arm around Allen's shoulder and draws him closer, rubbing his hand up and down his bare arm absent-mindedly. Allen slides his arm around Kanda's waist holding on tightly.
"From the looks on your faces this isn't good," the Captain says softly, looking at the distraught couple in front of him.
A knock on the cabin door brings the two back to the present. "Come in," Kanda says to the person behind the door.
The door opens and one of the crew members enters with his arms full of clothing. He walks over to the bed, after a nod from the Captain, and lays out long shirts, pants, slipper shoes and two conical Asian hats with a few accessories.
"Kanda, you'll know how to dress both of you properly to blend with the crowds in the village. I will leave you both to have time to finish getting ready. It will be dusk soon and that will be the best time to disembark. It's been a pleasure meeting both of you, best of luck and safe journey." The Captain shakes both their hands and gives them a warm smile; sheen of wetness covers his soft, brown eyes as he turns and leaves.
They stare at the door for a moment, both knowing their little spot of Paradise is coming to an end. Now, they have to prepare themselves against those who are after them once they are on land.
Long, raven black hair interweaves into a long strand down Kanda's back as Allen finishes tying off the end. Normally, Kanda wouldn't wear his hair in a long braid, too much trouble for the Samurai swordsman. It is easier to pull his hair up into a ponytail. However, he has to blend in with the crowds in the village and this type of ponytail will do the trick.
"Your turn Bean Sprout," Kanda says, rising from the bed. Allen scoots forward, so Kanda can straddle him from behind.
His snowy white hair, once short, has grown longer over the last few months. "Your hair has grown Bean Sprout," Kanda says, picking up the comb and running it down the longer length.
"There hasn't been any time to cut it. Does it bother you it has gotten longer?" he asks, with the silly concern that Kanda wouldn't find him attractive with longer hair.
"No baka, it doesn't matter what length it is," Kanda says quietly, leaning in kissing the back of Allen's head
"It's long enough to pull back into a short ponytail. I'll use some pins to hold back the strands around you face. With your hat on, your white hair won't show and give you away," Kanda says.
He pulls Allen's hair back running his fingers through the soft strands and then ties it at the nape of his neck. Picking up the small ponytail he flips it up and pins it securely in place.
"Hey Kanda, look, Timcanpy's ready to go," Allen snickers at the sight of the flying, golden, golem. Tim flies out of the bathroom wearing a small conical Asian hat and buzzes around them. Actually, it appears as if the hat is hovering on its own, because it is a little too big for Tim, so he gets lost under the hat.
"What a fucking, stupid golem. What is he thinking? That he'll blend in with the crowds and no one will notice him with that stupid hat on? Everyone will be looking at him thinking we have some magical hat following us," Kanda snorts, looking at Tim with narrow eyes.
Tim continues to hover, but one would swear when Kanda turns his back, Tim sticks his tongue out at him.
Allen chuckles as he stands up from the edge of the bed, Kanda right behind him. He turns around and Kanda finishes securing the loose strands dangling around Allen's face. Picking up the theater make-up, Kanda concentrates as he dabs it on to cover the red marking on his face – Allen grins at him.
"What are you grinning about, moron," Kanda says, as he places the conical hat on Allen's head. He fastens it under his chin and pushes a few white strands up under the hat.
"You, jerk. I'm just happy to be here with you and having you primp me … well, it is like icing on the cake," Allen teases, grinning up at his beloved.
"Whatever," Kanda says, rolling his eyes. He picks up his own hat, puts it on and fastens it under his chin.
"You look really cute, Bean Sprout. Now let's get the rest of our things and leave this ship," Kanda says, grinning, throwing a knap sack at Allen.
Later in the evening, they disembark from the ship. The streets are not crowded like it is during the day as they walk along checking out the village.Colorful, festive lanterns, hang outside restaurant dining areas where small groups of acquaintances chatter lightheartedly and the clink of wine glasses is heard in celebration of someone's special event.
Outside of the taverns and restaurants, street lanterns glow in the eventide light as Allen and Kanda continue walking down to the end of the street – Timcanpy following.
Down in this section of the village, away from the gaiety, is where merchants', large and small, tents line both sides of the street, now closed for the night. The street lanterns glow a bright, yellow light, but cast eerie shadows on their tops and fronts. The shadows are distortion of images that move with the cool breeze fluttering the canvases.
These streets are wide to accommodate large crowds during the daylight hours where potential customers will bustle around in their colorful outfits, many bickering with the owners to come down on their prices while their children run around snatching fruit and breads from other booths.
Tonight, as always, the streets are quiet and gloomy down by the tents. Only the homeless is seen roaming, looking for scraps of food to feed them self, and finding clothing that had been discarded after buying new ones earlier in the day. Having seen enough, they turn around to walk back in the direction they came to search for their hotel.
Once again, they hear the merriment of singing and shouting that comes from the many taverns and restaurants dotting the sides of the streets. Across the way, a lady slips her arm through her male companion's as they stroll along, their heads close together murmuring to each other, with an occasional giggle from the lady.
At one of the taverns, they hear a rambunctious group of drunken customers, cheering and laughing, and then suddenly, a drunk is thrown out of the tavern, for whatever reason, into the street. Men stand on the walkway looking down at him, laughing, and some even spitting on him.
Luckily, they find the hotel the Captain had rented for the night. Upon entering, Kanda walks up to the front desk to register. The Japanese desk clerk speaks broken English, but Kanda is able to make him understand what they want – their room for tonight. The clerk hands Kanda a set of keys.
Climbing the creaking, wooden stairs, the air reeks of liquor and greasy food that could make anyone's stomach queasy. Reaching their floor, they walk down the hallway wading through rubbish that has been thrown from the tenants occupying the other rooms. The offensive smells are stronger here than on the stairs.
Opening the door to their room, they peer in to see what awaits them. Surprisingly, the room is clean and they step inside to investigate further, that is, except Timcanpy. They sit their belonging on the floor over by a plain looking dresser with a mirror.
Allen picks up the matches off the dresser and lights the oil lamp. Turning the knob up, a dull amber light fills the room, creating coziness to the starkness of their night abode.
He looks over at the full size bed with a lumpy mattress. Standing next to it, Kanda throws back the covers and finds clean linen beneath.
Colorful lights reflect in through the window from the street below, adding an iridescent hue to the room's amber light. There is little privacy, or darkening of the room, when closing the tattered, moth eaten, curtains. The curtains gather on a bent rod, sagging in the middle, with one panel hanging on each side of the window.
Allen's hand brushes the light-green wall. His fingers trace the cracks leading to a large hole in the plaster where the slats beneath have been broken in-half and the plaster chips still fall. It appears like a fist had slammed the wall in a fit of anger, or some other round object, like a person's head had been smashed against it. Just the thought of it sends a shiver through Allen's body.
Underneath the hole, sits a small stand with sprinkles of plaster dust. It holds a basin and a pitcher of water for them to wash up this evening. At the bottom of the stand, neatly folded towels lay on the shelf. As Allen continues to look around, the only seating he sees is a wooden kitchen chair that sits by the door.
Kanda glances over at Allen and notices the weariness in his partner's eyes as he finishes scanning the room
"It's only for one night, we'll be gone in the morning," Kanda says softly, walking over to Allen, taking him into his arms.
"Yes, I know. It's fine, really. I'm just tired. Maybe we should get something to eat so we can retire early," Allen's voice sounds taut and haggard.
"That's a good idea. Maybe everything will look better after getting some food into our stomachs," Kanda says, looking into Allen's eyes. Kanda leans down to kiss Allen and their wide conical hats collide preventing their faces from touching. A smile comes to Allen's lips and Kanda's heart flips.
"Let's save the kiss for later," Allen says, feeling a little better. "Let's go get something to eat. Timcanpy you wait here for us," Allen says, as the golem finally enters into the room and lands on the bed unhappy about being left behind.
Looking through restaurant windows, they finally chose one that has private booths instead of tables. They figure sitting in a booth, they would have more privacy without the possible threat of being seen. In the far back corner, inside of the restaurant, is an open booth which they walk back and seat themselves.
Across from where they sit, a partial wall separates the other booths in the room. On top of the partial wall is a wide strip of lattice work which adds a decorative touch, but also allows the air to filter throughout the room. A walk way near their booth stretches to the other side of the room. This is for the waitresses bustling to the kitchen and patrons to the restrooms.
The booths are small alcoves designed to allow as much privacy as their customers seek. Long, red drapes hang on each side of the booth, so when they are let down it gives the occupancies total seclusion.
The waitress comes to their booth and takes their order. After writing on her pad of paper, she places her hand on the drapes, a signal for them to acknowledge if the young couple wants total seclusion. Kanda nods his head. The drapes fall, leaving them in a mellow golden light provided by the two lanterns.
After placing their hats on the seats, Allen rests his hands on the table top. Warm, long fingers entwines with Allen's cool ones. Glistening silvery eyes, soft from love showing in their depths, stare into Kanda's dark blue confident eyes, reflecting his love back to Allen. Fingers tighten and hearts pound faster just being in the presences of each other. The warm light flickers across Allen's ivory skin giving a sultry, seductive appearance to his face
They are interrupted by the waitress serving their meals. She lowers her eyes, feeling the deep emotions emitting from the young couple, who do not release their strong hold on the other. She smiles, bows and leaves the young couple alone in their own private world. They are in a world, right now, where they are communicating to each other through their eyes and hands as love flows hot between them.
Allen's stomach growls and awakens them from their trance state. He blushes as Kanda's lip lifts to the side in a smile. 'Leave it to Bean Sprout's stomach to respond to the smell of food to break our intimate moment,' Kanda chuckles to himself. This white hair angel, with all his foolishness, steals his heart over and over with the tiniest actions.
Allen eats in silence. He's famished, and like always, eats fast. At the end of their meal, Kanda pours Allen more tea and they sit back to allow the food to settle in their stomachs. Kanda stares down at his tea cup thinking about tomorrows plans.
Another group of customers sit in the booth behind Allen, their loud voices easily heard. "So where is your next assignment?" asks the deep voice.
"There's another village further up on the coast line and we are meeting General Tiedoll there for our orders," says the other man sitting in the booth, with a tenor voice.
Kanda's eyes widen as he glances up at Allen with a stun look on his face. He had never thought there was the possibility of running into Tiedoll after he had left with Allen. He hadn't given the old man a second thought at the time, mainly because there wasn't time to contact him. But, would it be safe for Kanda to see him, if they happened upon the General?
Allen reaches across the table and lays his hands over Kanda's. He knows this has to be a shock for him hearing Tiedoll's name. Maybe there is a chance they would see Tiedoll along the way, but would it be safe for them? Allen use to envy Kanda having a master who thinks of his apprentice as a son. The only time Cross had showed any sort of emotion like that was just before he had been killed.
"Has anyone heard what's happening with Rouvelier? I know he was called back to the Vatican for a meeting, but so far no one knows why," a different voice speaks up.
"No, and the Finders I've come in contact with haven't either. It seems to be kept quiet for now," the deeper voice says.
"Maybe it has to do with Allen Walker and Yuu Kanda. I know that search has been quite the man hunt. I've met Walker many times and can't see him turning traitor, even if a Noah is trying to claim his body. That kid is one hell of a fighter. I'm sure he would have won over the Noah. Problem was Rouvelier wouldn't give him a chance," says the tenor voice.
"Does anyone know why Kanda took off after him?" the different voice asks.
"Everyone knows the two hated each other. Maybe Kanda went after him to kill him. That's one scary fellow. I wouldn't want him chasing me." Laughter overflows from the booth that even Kanda couldn't help from smiling at the amusing comment about him.
"Well, I know Tiedoll is still taking Kanda's absents pretty hard. He worries about him. He has always treated and talked to Kanda as if he was his own son. You couldn't ask for a gentler General then Tiedoll. The way Kanda acts you'd think General Cross had been his master," chuckles elicits from around the table, and the tenor voice continues on.
"I've heard some terrible stories how Cross treated Allen, but you know, at the end, I think Cross had cared about Allen all along, he just couldn't show it," the tenor voice finishes.
"Well, Cross's death was a mystery all on its own, the same as what's going on with Rouvelier. Today I heard the Third Exorcists were called back to Central Agency and I wonder what that's all about," says the deeper voice. The group changes the subject to other gossip going around they could share with each other.
"Let's go," Kanda whispers to Allen, leaving money on the table.
Kanda opens the drapes enough to scan the area to see if it is safe. Luckily, the Finders have their drapes closed. Kanda signals to Allen to follow him and they swiftly flee from the restaurant. Outside, they continue on with a brisk walk towards their hotel room in silence.
Once in their room, Kanda locks the door and they get ready for tomorrows escape out of town. Kanda has to re-think his plans on leaving. He knows Finders generally leave at least an hour after daybreak, so they will need to leave just before dawn to get ahead of them, seeing they all are heading in the same direction for a spell.
Kanda slides his naked body into bed with Allen and pulls him close. Having Allen with him makes everything he's doing worthwhile. He closes his eyes and enjoys the warmth their bodies emit by the touch of their skin.
"Kanda, it must have been a shock to hear about Tiedoll. Even though it may be risky, if we see him along the way I feel we should stop so you can talk with him," Allen whispers into the darkness.
A long sigh comes from Kanda. "I would like to see him since I didn't have time to talk to him before I left. It's the least I could do after all he's done for me," Kanda whispers back, his thumb finding Allen's lips and lightly brushes them.
"That's one of the things I love about you, Allen. You always want to set things right, so everyone is happy. Fuck, I love you. Now, let's make out for awhile before we go to sleep," Kanda says softly, their lips melding together with the heat of their passion.
To be continued …